Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The approach we need to take is to hit them where it hurts, that is, in their pockets and on their financial balance sheet and that is what we intend to do under legislation I imagine the Deputy probably supported, as did many people across the House. It is not only about asking the companies nicely whether they wish to do things. This is far too serious an issue for our children, our country, many public policy areas and, on occasion, for democracy. Social media can bring about incredible benefits. I am known to use some of the platforms. However, there also need to be protections in place and legal obligations on these companies with sanctions if they do not comply. That is what we intend to do through Coimisiún na Meán and turning these draft safety codes to full online safety codes with full legislative effect, shortly.

In answer to the prosecutions question, the codes are not in yet. That is the truthful answer. The consultation finished at the end of January. Coimisiún na Meán is now analysing the feedback and the process of progressing it is ongoing and needs to proceed with urgency. There are, however, a number of European Commission investigations under the Digital Services Act, including a live investigation into what is called TikTok's recommender system and whether the algorithm protects children. Finally, I assure Deputy Pringle that in the draft safety codes the issue of the profiling algorithm will be addressed.

See this speech in context